Application Form
Report of Expenditure
Advisory Committee Guiding Principles & Terms of Reference
Data Protection Statement
What You Need to Know
The main goal of the Creeslough Community Grant Scheme is to enhance the memories of victims of the tragedy, and benefit the communities affected by the tragedy. This Scheme is open to community groups who wish to apply for funding under one of following areas:
Youth Development and Support Activities (Strand 1): Applications may emerge from sports organisations, schools, youth clubs, NGOs or national youth bodies to develop and run sports, fun/adventure or outdoor training, or personal development activities and information giving.
Trauma Support (Strand 2): Activities that focus on the community’s well-being and recovery. For example, setting up group therapy sessions, emergency therapeutic interventions, provision of meditation and well-being services, training of community members in the skills of Psychological First Aid (PFA) so the service could be offered locally by the community itself.
Commemorative Activities (Strand 3): Projects that focus on honouring, remembering, and celebrating the lives of those lost in the tragedy. The projects can be individual or group memorials. For example, annual events, competitions, or trophies in their memory; a garden or installation remembering the tragedy and enhancing the town. Projects under this strand will be evaluated with an understanding that Creeslough has a dedicated committee focused on this area, and awareness of their work will be essential.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to:
- Voluntary, community and social groups operating in the areas where those impacted by the Creeslough tragedy live;
- Non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations, including incorporated and unincorporated bodies and trusts operating in the areas where those impacted by the Creeslough tragedy live;
- Schools, sports clubs, and groups operating in the areas where those impacted by the Creeslough tragedy live.
Except for Strand 3 applications, which may require longer lead-in times, only projects that can begin within three months of approval will be considered under this scheme.
Applications are not eligible from private companies, individuals, public bodies or organisations controlled either directly or indirectly by any state or other body.
Step-by-Step Process
- You need to apply through the Irish Red Cross online form. All support information should be scanned and submitted online.
- The deadline for application along with supporting documents is 31st January 2025, close of business.
- We will let you know in writing whether your application is successful or not within two months (31st March 2025) at the latest.
The total amount of funding available is €165,406 across the three strands. The exact division of funding between strands will depend on the number of applications received.
The minimum amount that can be applied for is €500, with a maximum of €40,000 for any single funding application. An exception to this limit may be made for Strand 3 applications, based on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee and funding availability.
If the total amount of applications exceeds the available funding, it will be distributed based on a competitive process, following our Assessment Criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
How will my application be assessed?
1. All applications will be screened to ensure eligibility and completeness as follows:
- Does it fall under one of three agreed strands?
- Is the application from an eligible applicant?
- Is the application fully costed and complete?
- Is all the necessary documentation and information attached?
2. Applications that pass the Screening Stage will be initially assessed and scored by the Irish Red Cross using a criteria scoring system. Applications must score a minimum of 11 marks under each section to proceed (see below assessment marking schedule).
3. Where total applications exceed the available funding, shortlisting/prioritising of applications may take place based on highest scores.
4. Applications that pass stages 2 & 3 will be forwarded to the Advisory Committee for review and recommendation for approval.
5. Recommended applications will be sent to the Administration Committee of the Irish Red Cross for the final funding decision.
6. Successful applications will be notified in writing within two months and funding details agreed with the applicant.
What are the criteria for assessment?
Which governance documents do I need to submit?
All applicants will be required to upload/scan evidence that they are an existing and recognised body with a philanthropic or service purpose, as follows:
- Registered Charities: Registered Charity Number (RCN) and latest Annual Report
- Unincorporated Bodies/Groups: Copy of Constitution and list of Committee Members
- Sports/Social Clubs/Youth Clubs: Copy of Constitution and list of Committee Members
- Schools: Roll Number and name of Principal
All applicants must submit:
- Copy of latest accounts
- Bank Account Statement Header (This must show clearly the Account Name, IBAN and BIC. Please blank out any transactions as this is purely to verify the account to pay any approved funding into. If your organisation has a Credit Union Account, you must supply an IBAN for your specific account)
- Contact details for project/activity lead person
Are there any reporting requirements for the Scheme?
If your application for funding is successful, you will be required to submit an Outcome Report and proof of expenditure (receipt or bank statement clearly showing expenditure) by the end of 2025.
Was the community and the families of the bereaved consulted regarding the setting up of the Community Support Scheme?
Yes, the Scheme was discussed at a number of community meetings held in Creeslough, most recently in July 2024. The families of the bereaved were individually written to prior to this meeting to seek their views. There was general agreement that this Community Support Scheme was the most appropriate way to disperse the remainder of the funds held by the Irish Red Cross.
How was the membership of the Advisory Committee decided upon?
Various representatives groups under the headings of Community, Youth, Sports, Education, and Faith were approached by the Irish Red Cross and invited to submit the names of persons deemed suitable in the context of the Terms of Reference for the Committee.
Who are the members of the Advisory Committee?
The members of the Committee are Con Ferry, Majella Mc Fadden, Leona Mc Menamin, Breege Ward, and David Skuce. Click here to learn more.
Background to the Irish Red Cross Creeslough Community Fund
The Creeslough Community Fund was created as an immediate humanitarian response to support the people of Creeslough, County Donegal, after that tragic explosion on October 7th, 2022. This devastating event took the lives of ten people, injured others, and left many without homes and jobs. The Irish Red Cross Creeslough Appeal raised €1,957,609 to support those affected by the tragedy.
To date, €1,792,203 (or c. 91.6% of the total funds) has been distributed to support those affected by the Creeslough tragedy. Of this, €1,745,857 was provided as direct financial support to those impacted, and €46,346 was used for essential support costs, including tax advice, online payment fees, and travel costs.
Initially, funds went to emergency payments to meet immediate needs. Later, the support moved to a planned approach, with lump-sum payments going to specific groups, including families who lost loved ones, those who were injured, and people who lost their homes. People who lost their jobs also received help during the emergency phase.
The remaining €165,406 (c. 8.45%) in the fund has been set aside for a medium-term community support scheme, which was one of the main objectives when the appeal was made. The Irish Red Cross has worked closely with local community groups and the families of those who passed away to agree on priorities for how the remaining funds should be spent. Key areas identified for funding are trauma support, youth development and support, and commemorative projects.
While the final decisions on distributing funds for the projects will be made by the Administrative Committee (comprising members of the Irish Red Cross board and senior staff), a local Advisory Committee has been established to help advise and make recommendations on funding applications.
Irish Red Cross is committed to ensuring that the final phase will focus on the needs and priorities identified through consultations with the community and will remain flexible in responding to emerging issues identified by the community.
For any queries, please contact Liam O’Dwyer at lodwyer@redcross.ie, sharing your contact details (email and phone number). We will respond as soon as possible.